My parents called it “jiggling.” I presented at around 18 mo. old and it’s never diminished in desire or intesity. I’ve read that GD simply goes away after a certain age. I wish I could tell you that mine did.

My parents tried everything they could; doctors, psychologists, obstetricians, religion, shame, guilt, spankings, reward systems, lectures, etc. Back in the 80’s, doctors knew even less than they do today, which as you know, isn’t much. I don’t know what kind of advice I can give you. I can tell you that elementary, middle and high school were very difficult for me, in the small town in which I grew up. I was teased, ostracized and called many names. Some say this was character building.

I finally was able to conquer my public GD episodes in 6th grade. I graduated high school with 9 college credits, honors, and a full tuition scholarship. I was happy to finally go to college, where no one knew me or my background. I earned my Bachelor’s degree and will soon earn my Master’s. It is said that I am a successful and motivated individual. I have a tendency to cheer for the under-dog and I tend to also gravitate towards the less popular people in social situations (having been one myself).

I am married and have two beautiful daughters. My concern, now, is that GD is genetic and one day, I’ll look at my daughter and she’ll be “jiggling.” I know my heart will break, then.

After having to continuously deal with GD myself, I can only say that I would teach my daughters discretion. Since it’s very difficult to control, I would try to instill in them that there is a time and a place. At home, in their bedroom. If they feel the urge, I would probably encourage them to go to their bedroom, take care of that urge and reappear after they’ve finished.

I am so happy to have found your website. I have, obviously, used a pseudo-name. I still find it difficult to talk about and do fear people who know me, finding out. I’ve never heard of anyone having GD for this long. Maybe it’s not even called GD for someone my age. All I know is, I still exhibit the same behavior now as I did at 18 mo. old. I’ve just been able to conquer exhibiting it in public.

I know that it is sometimes difficult for children to express themselves and what they’re feeling, especially when they’re put in the spotlight and feel they’re doing something seen as “wrong” or “abnormal.” In knowing that I’ve had to deal with this for the last 26 1/2 years, I hope I’ve not saddened you or made you despair. It is actually my hope that I can be a source of specific information regarding the feelings and emotions children with GD cannot themselves express.